balance each half reaction assuming it's in a basic solution. please post the steps too!
CH_3OH(aq)-CH_2O(aq)

Question

balance each half reaction assuming it's in a basic solution. please post the steps too! 
CH_3OH(aq)->CH_2O(aq)

anonymous · Answer

$$CH_3OH(aq)\rightarrow CH_2O(aq)$$

aaronq · Answer

first determine what atom is being oxidized and what atom is being reduced.

aaronq · Answer

i.e. assign oxidation states

anonymous · Answer

I'm still confused because normally there are two reactants but here there is one and I don't know how to formulate the answer. Please help!

aaronq · Answer

it think you may be missing $H_2$ on the right side of the equation.

aaronq · Answer

because, as i see it, only carbon is changing in oxidation state.

anonymous · Answer

Here's the problem!

anonymous · Answer

So, then does this mean that I only have to do one step right? How would I go about oxidizing the Carbon then?